Patricia Nebus, RN, a patient access nurse at the Mass General Cancer Center, is often the last staff member in the clinic in the evenings. Jeremy Abramson, MD, clinical director of the Center for Lymphoma at the Mass General Cancer Center, leaves late in the evening but shares, “I frequently see Pat still at her desk speaking compassionately and patiently with patients. Even on weekends, she calls and emails with patients and their families to ensure their needs are fully met.” Knowing new patients are terrified and nervous about their diagnosis, Pat takes her role extremely seriously, and makes every effort to create a streamlined, comfortable experience for them during their initial consultations at Mass General.
With empathy, efficiency and honesty, she provides vital information and comforting words. Her patients are so grateful that they often insist on meeting her in person when they arrive for a first visit. Going above and beyond the call of duty, Pat has even been known to drive out to a patient’s referring hospital to pick up CT scans or pathology slides to help a new consultation begin as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Edwin Choy, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Sarcoma and Connective Tissue Oncology at Mass General, recognizes Pat’s tailored approach to each patient, explaining, “She is always cheerful, but appropriately so, and knows exactly how much cheering a person needs at any given time.”
